Highfield Gardens Care Center of Great Neck received 15 citations for violations of public health code between 2018 and 2022, according to New York State Department of Health records accessed on April 22, 2022. The Great Neck nursing home’s citations resulted from a total of six surveys by state inspectors. The deficiencies they describe include the following:
1. The nursing home did not employ adequate elopement-prevention measures. Section 483.25 of the Federal Code stipulates that nursing homes must provide residents with adequate supervision to prevent accidents, including wandering and exit-seeking behaviors. A November 2021 citation found that Highfield Gardens Care Center of Great Neck failed to ensure such. The citation specifically describes an instance in which a resident with a known history of exit seeking behaviors “was able to pass two alarmed doors and successfully exit the facility’s ground,” eventually being located several blocks away from the nursing home. The citation describes the incident as having the “potential to cause more than minimal harm.” A plan of correction undertaken by the facility included the in-servicing of staff on policies regarding residents with exit-seeking behaviors.
2. The nursing home did not properly maintain infection prevention protocols. Section 483.80 of the Federal Code requires nursing homes to attempt to prevent the development and spread of disease by creating and maintaining an infection prevention and control program. A September 2021 citation found that Highfield Gardens Care Center of Great Neck failed to ensure such. The citation specifically describes the failure of facility staff to use appropriate personal protective equipment during the Covid-19 pandemic. According to the citation, a licensed practical nurse was observed in a Covid-19 unit with an N95 mask below their nose. In an interview, the facility’s Director of Nursing Services stated that the nurse “should be wearing a mask at all times while on a COVID-19 unit.” A plan of correction undertaken by the facility included the re-education of the LPN in question.
3. The nursing home did not follow food safety protocols. Under Section 483.60 of the Federal Code, nursing homes are required to handle food “in accordance with professional standards for food service safety.” A September 2020 citation found that Highfield Gardens Care Center of Great Neck failed to ensure such. The citation states specifically that two certified nursing assistants handled residents’ food “with their bare hands.” In an interview, one of the CNAs told a surveyor that he “did not realize that handling the food with his bare hands was a problem.” A plan of correction undertaken by the facility included the in-servicing of staff on infection control policies during meal passes.
The attorneys at the Law Offices of Thomas L. Gallivan, PLLC work diligently to protect the rights of nursing home residents. Please contact us to discuss in the event you have a potential case involving neglect or abuse.